Blind golfers' eyesight was suspiciously above par

When a group of blind golfers teed off at an annual tournament, they thought each stood a good chance of winning the coveted trophy.

But when some began holing long putts, pointing towards the green and even reading from their own scorecards, some eyebrows were raised.

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Blind golfer Cameron McDiarmid (left) with Ally Reid.

And by the time the winner walked off the 18th green the result was already in doubt amid claims that sighted players had taken part.

One observer, who did not want to be named, was appalled at the apparent "abuse of goodwill" and wrote an anonymous letter to the local newspaper.

It said: "I work in the voluntary sector so am aware of most disabilities and their consequences, but it was obvious the majority of these 'blind' people were sighted.

"In the clubhouse I observed 'blind' people walking around unaided, buying refreshments and going up and down stairs with ease.

"Outdoors many were pulling their own golf trolleys and one in particular was reading a scorecard.

"I watched players tee off with little or no assistance and several watched their own shot approach a green.

Jill Clark with Ally Reid

"One particular gentleman even pointed up the fairway toward a green 200 yards away before asking, 'Is that a flag?'

"I struggled to see the flag against the tree line, and I can see to drive a car.

"Perhaps the worst of all was the number of 'blind' players who putted out without any assistance and then picked their own ball out of the cup."

The tournament, held at Downfield Golf Club in Dundee earlier this month, was attended by 20 golfers from a variety of clubs - including Tayside and Fife Blind Golf Society.

Most players were accompanied by a guide who assisted in describing distance, direction and characteristics of the hole. They also helped with club alignment.

Downfield Golf Club, in Dundee, where the Scottish blind golfers' society played

Last night one Tayside player dismissed the claims as "mischiefmaking" and insisted that all those who took part were registered blind.

Ally Reid, 59, who finished third with the help of his wife Ann, 53, has damaged optic nerves, with little sight out of his left eye and only peripheral vision in his right.

"What people don't seem to understand is that there are varying degrees of blindness," he said.

"You can be totally blind to partially sighted. A number of the players taking part in the tournament are partially sighted.

"I can hit the ball but I can't see where it goes. That's why I have a guide.

"Others may just be following the line of their swing. They naturally look up after following through.

"To suggest that we in some way are cheating is absolute nonsense."

Downfield Golf Club said it would not be taking any action.

Robin Clayden, Secretary of the Scottish Blind Golf Society, said: "If the spineless person who accused these golfers can't come forward and identify himself then we can't educate him on the various aspects of sight losss.

"To remain anonymous highlights a greater disability within that person's mind and soul."